before 1 of 2

1
as in to
earlier than since I'm a faster runner, I got there before him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in against
preceding in space the children always insisted on running before their parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

before

2 of 2

adverb

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of before
Preposition
Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2025 Clubs across the United Kingdom play the ‘Last Post’, lay wreaths and observe a minute’s silence before games in the weeks leading up to the day. Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
Adverb
And like so many times before, Pelosi had control. Philip Elliott, Time, 6 Nov. 2025 Satellite images before and after the crash show the debris path left by the crash. Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
  • The area increased to 80% by 2018, according to state media, after numerous buildings and city walls were restored, and 135 temporary structures inside the compound were torn down.
    Fred He, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The researchers learned that people who ate very similarly to the portfolio diet had a 14% lower risk of developing coronary heart disease or stroke than people who ate less similarly to the diet.
    Renée Onque, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
Preposition
  • Peterson’s cramping issue first popped up — at least publicly — in KU’s exhibition game against Louisville back in October.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 12 Nov. 2025
  • After playing a career-best game to tip off the season, pouring in 31 points against Indiana State, Bradford has gone cold from beyond the arc in the past two games, not attempting a three against Tennessee Tech and missing all five of his attempts on Tuesday night.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 12 Nov. 2025
Adverb
  • Amid those results, former White House adviser Steve Bannon took to social media to warn of the danger ahead for the Republicans.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Call locations ahead to confirm availability, hours and location.
    Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Adverb
  • Raimondo Orsi had already gone back to Argentina to look after his sick mother, and Luis Monti had retired.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • In a recent LinkedIn survey, nearly half of companies expected employees to start using AI, yet 41% of professionals already feel overwhelmed by how quickly they are expected to master it.
    Feon Ang, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2025
Preposition
  • Flight reductions The FAA has required 40 airports across the country to reduce the number of flights per day.
    Rob Wile, NBC news, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Everything is dark around us, but the collision itself is a source of energy and the flash of it lights us up.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Adverb
  • Anger and apology Bosch, who was crowned Miss Universe Mexico earlier this year, denounced Nawat for insulting her.
    Anabella González, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Schlegel, a travel adviser from Arlington, Virginia, has told clients to not panic, to monitor their flights and to arrive at the airport early.
    JOSH FUNK, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

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